This $72.9 million project requests $58.3 million in grant funds to supplement $14.6 million in matching funds to be identified by MDOT for two purposes:

1. Design of a connection track between the Amtrak-owned corridor and CSX at New Buffalo, Michigan.2. Extension of the Dowagiac, Michigan siding to the Niles, Michigan siding, a distance of approximately ten miles.

New Buffalo Mayor Migs Murray stated: "This grant application, if approved, will provide jobs, improve intercity passenger rail service, and contribute to the economic development and tourism of not just New Buffalo, but the whole state by integrating Michigan's passenger rail services."

New Buffalo's old Amtrak Station (prior to October 2009) was serviced by the Pere Marquette. It was located on South Whittaker Street at Washington Street, on the south-side tracks owned by CSX.

In October 2009, through funding and construction via a private-public partnership, the City of New Buffalo opened our new platform on North Whittaker Street at Oselka Drive on the north-side tracks owned by Amtrak. This new platform is served by the Wolverine and Blue Water. If the proposed connection track gets built, Pere Marquette service will be restored.

In 2009, the New Buffalo Amtrak Station had a ridership of 4,237. In 2012, ridership increased 370% to 15,714. Restoration of Pere Marquette service will likely increase ridership even more.

The proposed New Buffalo rail connection represents more than just adding New Buffalo as a Pere Marquette stop. Pere Marquette trains between Porter, Indiana and New Buffalo would be able to take advantage of new 110 mph train speeds, providing better service. In the future, Chicago to Porter, Indiana tracks will also receive upgrades to allow for 110 mph speeds.